Birkenhead School
Prenton, Wirral, North West · CH43 2JD
Founded in 1860, Birkenhead School in Prenton has grown into a co-educational independent school spanning the full age range from nursery to sixth form, with around 504 pupils. Its 2025 ISI inspection awarded the top grade of "excellent" both overall and for pupils' personal development, and all compliance standards were met. With a sixth form of roughly 130 students, it offers a settled, all-through environment on the Wirral. A substantial bursary programme - around 75 pupils currently supported, about 35 of them receiving at least 75 per cent of fees - signals a genuine effort to widen access beyond annual day fees of £15,936 to £18,330.
504
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£18,330
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 0-18
- Pupils
- 504
- Location
- Prenton, Wirral, North West
- Website
- www.birkenheadschool.co.uk
- Telephone
- 0151 6524014
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Headmaster Paul Vicars
Latest results
Attainment 8
44.6
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
0%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
60%
A-level A*-A
62%
A-level A*-B
83%
Teaching & academics
At A-level the picture is strong: 62 per cent of grades reach A*-A and 83 per cent A*-B, with the sciences, maths and economics among the most popular choices. GCSE results show 60 per cent of grades at 9-7, though the headline Attainment 8 figure of 44.6 sits a little below the national average of 46.9. A broad curriculum, including Latin, two modern languages and a wide creative offering, gives pupils plenty to build on. Academic and music scholarships are available alongside the bursary support.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 130
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 21.26%
- EHC plans
- 0.84%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Beyond the classroom
The breadth of subjects on offer - from drama and music to design and technology and a strong sports programme - points to a rounded education beyond the core academic timetable. Music in particular is recognised through dedicated scholarships.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1860
- Boarding
- No
Mobile phone policy
Year 7 and 8 must hand in phones to their form tutor at registration and collect them at the end of the day. Years 9-11 must keep phones switched off and out of sight. Sixth form students may use phones in designated areas with permission. Violations result in confiscation for 24 hours or over the weekend if on a Friday. Staff have legal authority to search and delete inappropriate content if it may cause harm, disrupt teaching, or break rules. Serious cases may involve the designated safeguarding lead, senior staff or the police.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £15,936 - £18,330
- Bursaries up to
- 100% of fees
Around 75 pupils currently on bursaries, with approximately 35 of them receiving at least 75 per cent of fees.
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 6 November 2025
The last word
An established all-through school with an "excellent" ISI verdict and notably strong A-level outcomes, backed by an unusually generous bursary scheme.
The Passmate verdict
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Birkenhead School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Birkenhead School located?
Birkenhead School is located at 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, Prenton, CH43 2JD.
What type of school is Birkenhead School?
Birkenhead School is an independent (fee-paying) school in North West.
How many pupils attend Birkenhead School?
Birkenhead School has approximately 504 pupils on roll.
What is Birkenhead School's inspection rating?
Birkenhead School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 6 November 2025.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.